I. Read the text

Scientists in the USA say they are a step closer to developing materials that could make people invisible. Researchers at the University of California have found a way to cloak humans and objects using special materials that redirect light around things. The results of the research, led by Professor Xiang Zhang, were published in the journals ‘Nature’ and ‘Science’. Zhang works at the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centre at the university. His team developed a set of artificial “meta-materials” on a microscopic scale that is measured in billionths of a metre. The researchers said the special “fishnet structure” of the nano-sized objects do not absorb or reflect light, which makes them seem invisible. They compared the light to “water flowing around a rock".

The new discovery is a huge step forward from earlier technology that only allowed the concealing of two-dimensional objects. In the future, scientists could make “invisibility clothing” to hide people and large objects.

However, scientists are still a long way from designing and manufacturing invisibility cloaks. The U.S. military is extremely interested in developing this idea to bring the technology to the battlefield. The U.S. Army Research Office funded part of Dr. Zhang’s research. The technology could also lead to more powerful microscopes that are able to look more closely at living cells and even tinier objects. This means scientists could look at how viruses are formed and how they grow.

II. Comprehension check

1. Say whether these sentences are true (T) or false (F)

a.	Scientists have invented a cloak to make people who wear it invisible.	T / F
b.	The invisibility is created by redirecting light around objects.	T / F
c.	The scale if the new discovery is measured in billionths of a metre.	T / F
d.	The new discovery can stop water flowing around rocks.	T / F
e.	Earlier technology focused on two-dimensional objects.	T / F
f.	America’s Army said it has very little interest in this new technology.	T / F
g.	Scientists say the new research will lead to more powerful telescopes.	T / F
h.	The technology will allow scientists to study viruses more closely.	T / F

2. Match the beginning of the sentence with its end

1. American scientists a. “fishnet structure” of nano-

have developed sized objects.

2. Professor Zhang carries out his b. for the U.S. military

3. Artificial “meta-materials” c. material that can

have a special redirect light around things.

4. Some earlier technologies d. hide two-dimensional

could

5. These “meta - materials” are e. research at the university

very interesting and important

3. Look back at the article and write down some questions (2-3) you would like to ask the class about the text

III. Vocabulary work

1. Guess the meaning of the words taken from the text. The definitions can help you

1. a…… (adj)- not made of natural materials or substances

2. b….. (n) – an open space where military actions take place

3. c….. (v) – to hide something carefully

4. i……. (adj) – can’t be seen

5. r…….(n) – serious study of a subject

2. Periphrase the sentences using synonymous words and phrases from the text

a. The size of first computers is very big compared to modern ones.

b. The scientists asked the government to finance the research of nanomaterials.

c. Viruses are extremely small, and their size makes them difficult for studying.

d. Most tiny objects are investigated on a microscopic level.

3. Make up the sentences and translate them

a. American, have, artificial, developed, Our, a material, colleagues, new.

b. light, Its, doesn’t, special, or, reflect, structure, absorb.

c. Military, and, organizations, are, security, interested, “meta-materials”, in.

d. have, clothing, like, you, to, invisible, Would?

4. Check your memory. Put the words into the gaps in the text

Scientists in the USA say they are a __________ closer to developing materials that could make people invisible. Researchers at the University of California have found a way to __________ humans and objects using special materials that __________ light around things. The findings, led by Professor Xiang Zhang, were published in the __________ ‘Nature’ and ‘Science’. Zhang works at the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centre at the university. His team developed a __________ of artificial “meta-materials” on a microscopic __________ that is measured in billionths of a metre. The researchers said the special “fishnet structure” of the nano-__________ objects do not absorb or reflect light, which makes them seem invisible. They __________ the light to “water flowing around a rock".		set redirect compared step scale journals sized cloak
The new discovery is a __________ step forward from earlier technology that only allowed the concealing of two-dimensional __________. In the future, scientists could make “invisibility clothing” to __________ people and large objects. However, scientists are still a long __________ from designing and manufacturing invisibility cloaks. The U.S. military is extremely interested in developing this __________ to bring the technology to the __________. The U.S. Army Research Office funded part of Dr. Zhang’s research. The technology could also lead to more powerful microscopes that are able to look more __________ at living cells and even tinier objects. This means scientists could look at how viruses are formed and how they __________.		hide  battlefield idea objects grow huge closely way

IV. Grammar Focus: - ing forms

1. Remember everything you know about V+ing (names, functions and ways of translation). Ask your groupmates or your teacher to consult you on these questions if you have some difficulties

2. Look at the text once again. Please, find the examples of Participle I and Gerund

3. Read the sentences, define Participle I, Gerund and translate them correctly

a. How about playing long tennis tonight?

b. The room looks nice after putting some creative pictures on the walls.

c. Walking home I met my best school friend.

d. Having won a research grant he went to Cambridge to continue working on his project.

e. Please, don’t disturb the professor. He is having a serious experiment at the moment.

f. After doing the same job a person really needs changes.

g. Smiling people are nice to look at.

h. Repairing things requires patience and certain skills.

i. The girl sitting near the door is responsible for customer service.

j. Developing of new ideas takes time and efforts.

4. a. Complete the statements match the two halves and translate what you’ve got

How to study efficiently

1. Begin by a. jumping up to take things

2. Be realistic: there’s no point in b. being interrupted

3. Find a quiet place where you c. starting work

can work without

4. If possible use it only for d. marking each topic on the list

5. Check you have everything e. studying

you need before

6. This means you won’t waste time f. making a must-to-do list

7. Encourage yourself g. making plans you can’t possibly realize

b. Use your imagination to complete the given beginnings with –ing forms. For example: It’s right to live… keeping in your mind plans for your future.

1. You must always thank people for …

2. Don’t waste time on ….

3. I’m looking forward to ….

4. One should fill up with petrol before ….

5. My friend is not very good at ….

6. Yesterday I had to go to work instead of ….

7. Are you interested in ….

5. Translate from Russian into English using –ing forms

a. Мы с нетерпением ждем Вашего ответа.

b. Мне не нравится работа туристического гида в горах.

c. Новый сотрудник хорошо разбирается в компьютерах и часто помогает нам в этих вопросах.

d. Современные технологии передают информацию без задержек.

e. Несколько научных центров участвовали в создании прототипа данного устройства.

f. Спортсмен пробегает 10 километров без остановки каждый день.

g. Друзья, живущие на севере, часто зовут меня в гости, но я предпочитаю поездки в более теплые регионы.

h. Управление компанией - это серьезная и ответственная работа.

i. Меня интересуют встречи с новыми людьми.

j. Как насчет того, чтобы устроить перерыв?

V. DISCUSSION

1. Discuss the following ideas

a)	Would you like the ability to become invisible?
b)	What would you do if you could become invisible?
c)	What uses could an invisibility cloak have?
d)	What do you think of Professor Zhang’s research?
e)	Would you like a job as a researcher?
f)	Can you remember how the new technology works?
g)	How much would you pay for an invisibility cloak?
h)	What kinds of large objects might people want to hide, and why?
i)	Do you think this new discovery will help in fighting diseases?

HOMEWORK

1. Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary to build up more associations of each word and make some sentences with them

2. You bought an invisibility cloak. Write about what you have done with it